The 2023 Australian Open is approaching, and the Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic, is all set to compete in the tournament after his visa ban was recently overturned. The 21-time Grand Slam champion was deported from Australia earlier this year, due to his unvaccinated status. However, the reinstation of Djokovic’s visa might have brought trouble to the immigration minister of the country.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner, after his deportation from Australia, was handed a three-year visa ban. However, the government recently overturned the ban.
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Lifting the visa ban on Novak Djokovic has brought heat on the immigration minister
The Serbian tennis star, Djokovic, will be undoubtedly pleased about the decision to overturn his three-year visa ban. However, the minister of immigration is not in the same situation and is dealing with many critical reactions to his decision.
Andrew Giles, the immigration minister, has not issued any statements from his side explaining the reason behind lifting the ban. Nevertheless, the former Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, believes that Giles owes an explanation to the public regarding his decision. In a recent interview, he said, “He does owe the public an explanation, and he should come out and say why he’s taken the decision that he has taken. Otherwise, it looks like special treatment for one individual.”
Abul Rivzi, a former immigration official, had a similar opinion about the same issue. According to him, the decision is highly unusual, and there must be a proper reason for this sudden change in decision. He said, “It’s pretty unusual. Normally when these bans are overturned, it’s usually on some sort of compelling and compassionate grounds. I doubt that was the factor in Djokovic case.”
The immigration minister is under fire over a shock decision to reinstate Novak Djokovic's visa. The border backflip paves the way for the tennis superstar to create history at January's Australian Open. https://t.co/5zYfOfohG3 @NickMcCallum7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/xfCZ9MmSpB
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) November 16, 2022
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Djokovic is ready to maintain his winning streak
The Serbian tennis player got off to a strong start in the ATP Finals in Turin. Tennis enthusiasts are eager to see the former world number one compete in the Australian Open after seeing his recent form.
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Now that the Serb is confirmed to be part of the draw for the 2023 Australian Open, he will, undoubtedly, be one of the favorites to lift another trophy Down Under.
Can Djokovic equal Nadal’s tally of Grand Slam titles in Australia next year? Let us know in the comments.